KR20010072130A - Layered tampon - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to absorption tampons. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved absorption tampon with improved fluid capture rate without reducing capacity or fluid retention properties. This is accomplished by an absorbent tampon comprising a laminated structure consisting of rayon and cotton layers. Tampon gauze of the present invention is in the form of a thin layer pad of individual layers. The gauze includes a top layer, a bottom layer, and one or more intermediate layers located between the top and bottom layers. The top and bottom layers each consist primarily of rayon. One or more interlayers consist primarily of cotton. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the outer layer (ie, the top and bottom layers) is at least about 60%, more preferably at least about 90%, even more preferably entirely rayon. In another aspect of the invention, the at least one interlayer is at least about 60%, more preferably at least about 90%, even more preferably entirely cotton.

Description

Laminated Tampons {LAYERED TAMPON}

A wide range of physiological absorption tampons have long been well known in the art. The most recent commercially available tampons are made from tampon gauze that has been compressed into a substantially cylindrical shape. Tampon gauze of various types and configurations has been described in the art. Prior to compression, the gauze can be rolled up, helically wound or folded or assembled as a rectangular pad of absorbent material. Tampons made from common rectangular absorbent gauze are well known and successful in the market.

Tampons are constructed from various absorbent materials. Suitable materials for tampons include rayon and cotton. These materials are particularly useful as tampon constituents because of their low cost, good absorbency and proven efficacy as the material of tampon products. The most recent commercially available tampons are made of rayon, cotton or a uniform blend of the two. One of Rayon's advantages is that it typically exhibits higher absorption rates than cotton. On the other hand, when external pressure is applied, the cotton tends to retain the fluid previously absorbed than rayon. Attempts have been made in the prior art to combine tampons with a uniform blending ratio of cotton and rayon to combine the advantages of both materials.

In addition, many attempts have been made in the art to provide laminate structures for tampon gauze. For example, US Pat. No. 3,610,243, entitled "Reticulated Paper Tampon," issued to Jones Senior, Sr., on October 5, 1971, is a multiplicity of folded multi-layer tampons. A tampon composed of tissue paper layers is disclosed. However, the Jones apparatus does not mention layers with different material configurations to combine the advantages of each.

U.S. Patent Nos. 3,051,177 to Wilson on August 28, 1962, and U.S. Patent No. 3,079,921 to Brecht on March 5, 1963, respectively, described two- and three-layer structures. It starts. The layer of the Wilson device consists of an absorbent layer and a permeable sheath for absorbing layer protection. The three layers are folded several times from each other to form a six-ply pad. The Brecht device consists of an elastic layer between two absorbent layers. All three layers are folded upward to form tampons.

U.S. Patent Nos. 3,371,666 to Lewing, March 5, 1968, and U.S. Patent No. 3,628,534, issued to Donohue, December 21, 1971, are generally plated in multiple layers. A phosphorus tampon is disclosed. However, it is disclosed that both the luing and mono mono devices provide a cotton layer on the outside of the gauze with a layer of superabsorbent material therein. The superabsorbent material is a film that is solely established in the post-exposure device and distributed in the carrier web in the laying device.

While many of these devices and other recently available tampons have been successful and gaining popularity in the market, research on improved absorption tampons continues. Each of these devices has certain disadvantages that are solved by the present invention. For example, the Wilson and Brecht device, when both present, require extensive folding of the laminate structure prior to compression of the tampon gauze. In addition, no device discloses the use of rayon and cotton layers as a means to achieve the benefits of the present invention. Lying and mono post devices do not achieve the most effective use of the laminate structure because the layers of cotton are located outside of the uncompressed gauze and the presence of superabsorbent material is necessary to achieve the benefits of these devices. Tampons consisting of a uniform blend of rayon and cotton have some improvement in fluid retention compared to only rayon, but the presence of cotton in the blend tends to reduce Rayon's fluid capture rate.

Thus, there is a need for an improved absorbent tampon comprising layers of rayon and cotton that optimizes the performance benefits of each rayon and cotton. Specifically, such tampons must have high fluid retention and at the same time high fluid capture rates. Tampons should be constructed in such a way that they are inexpensive, easy to manufacture and have improved performance compared to known tampons using rayon and cotton in their construction.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention relates to an absorbent tampon, more particularly an absorbent tampon comprising a laminated structure composed of rayon and cotton layers.

Tampon gauze of the present invention is in the form of a thin pad. The gauze includes one or more top layers, bottom layers, and one or more intermediate layers located between the top and bottom layers. The top and bottom layers each consist primarily of rayon. One or more interlayers consist primarily of cotton. In a particular aspect of the invention, the outer layer (ie, top and bottom) consists of at least about 60% rayon, more preferably at least about 90% rayon, even more preferably entirely rayon. In another aspect of the invention, the at least one interlayer consists of at least about 60% cotton, more preferably at least about 90% cotton, even more preferably whole cotton.

Tampon gauze of the invention can also incorporate a thin overlap surrounding the individual layers. This overlap may preferably be made of rayon. In one aspect of the invention, the total number of layers is 3 (ie, top layer, bottom layer, one middle layer). A total of four layers can also be used. Tampon gauze can be composed of individual layers. Alternatively, the top and bottom layers may be interlayers or integrated layers that wrap around the interlayers.

Tampon gauze according to the present invention can be configured as a thin layer pad comprising an odd number of alternating layers of the first and second forms. Layers of the first form include outer layers (ie, top and bottom layers) as well as alternating intermediate layers. The second type of layer or layers includes alternating intermediate layers. Layers of the first type mainly comprise rayon. Layers of the second form mainly comprise cotton. In one aspect, the tampon gauze can have a total of five alternating layers.

The present invention relates to absorption tampons. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved absorption tampon with improved fluid capture rate without reducing capacity or fluid retention properties. Such tampons are achieved with tampons comprising layers having different compositions of constituent materials. The materials used are chosen such that the resulting tampons have different properties with respect to each other so as to combine the advantages of the properties of the various layers.

The specification results in claims that specifically and specifically claim the subject matter deemed to form the invention, but the invention will be better understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:

1 is an exploded perspective view of a tampon gauze of the present invention.

2 is a perspective view of the tampon gauze of the present invention in its assembled batch before compression to form a physiological tampon.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the tampon gauze of the present invention similar to FIG. 2 but with an optional overlap added.

Figure 4 is a physiological tampon formed by the compression of the tampon gauze of the present invention.

It is another aspect of the tampon gauze of this invention which shows a 5-layered structure.

6 is another embodiment of the tampon gauze of the present invention showing a four-layer structure.

7 is another embodiment of the tampon gauze of the present invention showing an integrated top and bottom layer wrapped around the middle layer.

8 is an aspect of the tampon gauze of the present invention having a V-shape.

The present invention relates to an absorbent tampon gauze comprising a layer of rayon and cotton. Itampon gauze can be compressed to form an absorbent tampon, such as a physiological tampon.

1 and 2 show one embodiment of such an absorbent tampon gauze (tampon gauze 20). However, the invention is not limited to structures having the particular arrangement shown in the figures.

The term "tampon" as used herein refers to any type of absorbent structure that is inserted into the vagina or other body voids for absorption of fluid from the vagina or other body voids. Typically, tampons are composed of absorbent articles compressed in radial, axial or both directions to provide tampons with size and stability for insertion into vaginal or other body voids. As used herein, the term "gauze" or "tampon gauze" is a generic term and refers to the construction of tampons with an absorbent material prior to compression. Tampon gauze is often referred to as tampon blank or softwind, and “gauze” should also be interpreted to include the terms.

In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, tampon gauze 20 is configured in the manner shown in FIG. The tampon gauze 20 shown in FIG. 1 is generally a flat rectangular thin pad. The gauze shown in FIG. 1 is generally rectangular, but other forms such as trapezoidal, triangular, hemispherical and V-shaped may also be acceptable. This pad consists of a top layer 32 and a bottom layer 34. Overall, top layer 32 and bottom layer 34 are referred to as outer layer 40. In addition to the outer layer 40, the tampon gauze 20 includes one or more intermediate layers 38 positioned between the top layer 32 and the bottom layer 34.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, each layer constituting tampon gauze 20 is a separate layer. The term "individual layer" means a layer that is independent of the other layers that make up the tampon gauze 20. A single layer folded by itself can be thought of as two layers, but this arrangement is not two separate layers as long as the term is used herein. The term "integrated layer" means layers that are configured as continuous webs or patches and that are folded together, either directly or with additional layers between the folds. Two layers of thin pads, that is, pads composed entirely of individual layers and folded integral layers, are within the scope of the present invention. Tampon gauze 20 of the present invention comprises one or more outer layers 40 and one or more intermediate layers 38. Each layer may be independent of all other layers but need not necessarily be independent. Although the layer may ultimately be folded before compression of the gauze 20, such folding is not necessary in all aspects of the present invention.

The outer layer 40, which is the uppermost layer 32 and the lowermost layer 34, is mainly composed of rayon. Each outer layer 40 need not have the same material composition, but each should consist primarily of rayon. Preferably, each outer layer 40 consists of at least about 60% rayon, more preferably at least about 90% rayon. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the top layer 32 and the bottom layer 34 are each composed entirely of rayon. The overall construction of the outer layer 40 in rayon provides the benefits of ease of manufacture while retaining the benefits of the interlayer synergistic effect.

One or more intermediate layers 38 consist primarily of cotton. Preferably, this interlayer is at least about 60%, more preferably at least about 90% cotton. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the at least one intermediate layer 38 consists entirely of cotton.

The rayon used in the tampon gauze 20 of the present invention may be in any suitable form that is typically used in disposable absorbent articles intended to be used in vivo. This acceptable form of rayon includes GALAXY Rayon (3-protrusion Rayon Structure), available as 6140 Rayon from Cortulds Fibers Ltd. of Hollywall, UK. Also suitable are SARILLE L Rayon (Round Fiber Rayon), also available from Kortols Fibers Limited. Any suitable cotton material can be used in the tampon gauze 20 of the present invention. Suitable cotton materials include long fiber rayon, short fiber cotton, cotton linter, T-fiber cotton, card strips and comber cotton. Preferably, the cotton layer should be a rubbed and bleached cotton absorbent with a glycerin finish.

While developing the present invention, it was found that cotton and rayon each had specific performance characteristics and properties. It was also found that the tampon gauze produced when rayon and cotton were combined in the described stacking arrangement exhibited superior performance characteristics not achieved with conventional tampon gauze.

Rayon is a preferred material for use in tampons due to its high fluid absorption rate. Rayon also has high compressibility and high fluid capacity (g / g). However, one disadvantage of Rayon is that it tends to release the previously absorbed fluid when an external confining pressure is applied. This phenomenon, often referred to as compression failure or “squeeze out,” is also discussed in US Pat. No. 3,749,094. The force exerted on the tampon by the wearer's body movement or muscle contraction can cause compression failure.

Cotton typically has a lower fluid capture rate and lower absorption capacity (g / g) than rayon. Nevertheless, cotton is a preferred material for tampons because it has a good ability to retain entrapped fluid when external confining pressure is applied.

Rayon's absorption rate and total capacity are significantly reduced when external limiting pressure is applied close to what is expected to be exhibited by the tampon during use. Similarly, cotton shows a decrease in capacity when this force is applied, but the effect is less pronounced than in Rayon. Tampons consisting of a 50% rayon and a 50% cotton uniform blend provide some improvement in fluid retention over Rayon alone, but the presence of cotton in the blend reduces the Rayon's fluid capture rate benefit. There is a tendency. Significant improvements in the absorption rate of tampons and further reduction in squeeze out can be achieved by the inventive laminate structure when compared to a uniform blend of rayon and cotton. Rayon's outer layer 40 acts as a soft, highly compressible material that quickly absorbs fluid. The fluid is then delivered to an interlayer 38, which is made of a surface which is advantageous for long time storage, especially in the presence of pressure.

The laminated tampon gauze 20 is completed as shown in FIG. 2, with the layers described above deposited on top of each other. Optionally, the layers may be wrapped in a relatively thin overlap 46 as shown in FIG. 3. Overlap 46 may be made of any suitable material and serves to help prevent surface fibers from gauze 20 from loosening in the wearer's body. A preferred material for the overlap 46 is rayon, but other materials, including bicomponent fibers or other natural or synthetic fibers, may also be suitable. Overlap 46 typically does not contribute significantly to the overall absorbency of tampon gauze 20 and is therefore not considered one of the layers of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the overlap 46 may cover the major surface and may also wrap the end of the gauze 20 without covering the sides. In one optional variant, the overlap 46 may completely surround all surfaces of the gauze 20 including sides. In another optional variant, the overlap 46 surrounds the major surface and sides of the tampon gauze 20 but does not cover the ends.

Each absorbent layer of tampon gauze 20 may have a basis weight of about 50 g / m ² to about 250 g / m ² . The overlap 46 layer may have a basis weight of about 10 g / m ² to about 50 g / m ² .

Recovery cord 48 is typically attached to gauze 20 for removal of tampons after use. The recovery cord 48 can be attached in any suitable manner known in the art, including sewing, adhesive attachment, or a combination of known bonding methods. To form tampons for use, tampon gauze 20 is compressed and heat treated in any conventional manner. Suitable pressures and temperatures for this are known in the art. Typically, gauze 20 is compressed in both radial and axial directions using any means known in the art. Although various techniques are known and acceptable for this purpose, tampon compressors available from Hauni Machines, Richmond, VA are suitable. 4 shows a tampon 50 completed according to the invention after being compressed. As shown in FIG. 4, most of the exposed surfaces of tampons 50 comprised of tampon gauze 20 of the present invention tend to include a thin overlap 46 (when overlap is used). In the absence of the overlap 46, the outermost layer 40 itself comprises most of the surface area of the compressed tampon 50. Thus, the advantage of lamination of the tampon gauze 20 of the present invention is realized after compression of the gauze 20 into the finished tampon 50.

Advantages of tampon gauze 20 of the present invention include low cost, ease of construction and the use of readily available and proven materials. Tampon gauze 20 need not comprise any superabsorbent material incorporated herein, and preferably does not. Each layer of gauze 20 can be about the same thickness and provides all the necessary total absorbency to the finished tampon.

Other variations to the aspects of the invention shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are also possible. For example, a five layer structure as shown in FIG. 5 may also be used. In this embodiment, the outer layer 40 (ie, the top layer 32 and the bottom layer 34) consists primarily of rayon. The layers located between the top layer 32 and the bottom layer 34 are collectively referred to as the inner layer 36. One or more of these inner layers 36 consist primarily of cotton. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, tampon gauze 20 has alternating layers of rayon and cotton. Thus, two face layers 58 are located adjacent to each outer layer 40. The core layer 42 may be a cotton layer, rayon layer, or blended layer. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the center layer 42 is an additional rayon layer for maintaining alternating layer relationships and better distributing fluid when the tampons are saturated.

Another embodiment of the tampon gauze 20 of the present invention is shown in FIG. 6. This embodiment is a four-layer structure. The top layer 32 and the bottom layer 34 consist primarily of rayon in accordance with the present invention. One or more inner layers 36 consist primarily of cotton. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the two inner layers 36 consist of faces.

Another embodiment of the tampon gauze 20 of the present invention is shown in FIG. This aspect consists mainly of rayon in accordance with the present invention as both the uppermost layer 32 and the lowermost layer 34. The integrated layer 60 wraps around the intermediate layer 38. One intermediate layer 38 may be used, or many such layers may be used. One or more such intermediate layers 38 consist primarily of cotton. The intermediate layer 38 or intermediate layers may be separated or integrated. One advantage of using this integrated layer 60 shown in FIG. 7 is that some of the tampon gauze 20, which is the head of the compressed tampon, can be made primarily of rayon. This allows the above-described advantage that the laminate structure extends not only to the tampon body but also to the head of the tampon.

One variation on the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 includes a two layer initial structure. For example, an upper layer consisting primarily of rayon may be over a lower layer consisting mainly of cotton. The two layers can then be folded as a unit such that the resulting top and bottom layers consist primarily of rayon. The layer that is mainly cotton in this structure can then be an intermediate layer and can be folded once by itself.

8 shows a variation on the form of tampon gauze 20 of the present invention. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, tampon gauze 20 has a V-shaped planar shape prior to compression.

Other variations of the tampon gauze 20 of the present invention are also possible. Any total number of layers can be used. The layers need not overlap completely and can be oriented in different directions. The arrangement and composition of the layers may vary if the outer layer consists primarily of rayon and the one or more intermediate layers consist mainly of cotton.

While particular aspects of the invention have been described and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications in the art can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (10)

A tampon gauze in the form of a lamella pad comprising a top layer, a bottom layer, and at least one intermediate layer located between the top and bottom layers, A tampon gauze, each of said top and bottom layers consisting primarily of rayon and said at least one intermediate layer consisting primarily of cotton. The method of claim 1, Each top and bottom layer is at least 60%, preferably at least 90%, more preferably entirely rayon, and at least one intermediate layer is at least 60%, preferably at least 90%, more preferably all Cotton tampon gauze. The method of claim 1, Tampon gauze further comprising a thin overlap surrounding the layers. The method of claim 3, wherein Tampon gauze, wherein the thin overlap comprises bicomponent fibers. The method of claim 1, Tampon gauze with 3 or 4 total floors. The method of claim 1, Tampon gauze where each top and bottom layer is a separate layer. The method of claim 1, Tampon gauze, wherein the top and bottom layers consist of an integrated layer surrounding the perimeter of one or more intermediate layers. The method of claim 1, Tampon gauze, in which the gauze is generally rectangular in shape. The method of claim 1, Tampon gauze with gauze V-shape. The gauze comprises alternating layers of the first and second forms in an odd number, preferably five thin layer pads, wherein the layers of the first form comprise one or more top and bottom layers and consist mainly of rayon, mainly Tampon gauze further comprising at least one second type layer of cotton.